books – Page 208 – Tundra Book Group

April 10, 2013May 7, 2025

Shortlist for the 2013 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards

The following titles have been shortlisted for the 2013 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards in the Young Adult category:

A Tinfoil Sky
Written by Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Hardcover | 224 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-277-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-294-3
“…A Tinfoil Sky is a messy, heart-wrenching story. Sand-Eveland does an admirable job of not flinching from the harsh realities of Mel’s life. Her vivid, descriptive prose clearly depicts a precarious world where love, family and home are elusive propositions…. Tackling a challenging topic, Sand-Eveland deftly weaves hope amidst the hurt and the story has the ring of authenticity to which young readers will respond.” – Canadian Children’s Book News

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…a highly emotional story about a family that blames one another, and themselves, for an unimaginable tragedy. Nielsen’s balance of humor and pathos is finely honed, making this a surprisingly breezy read for so heavy a topic.” – Booklist

Congratulations to Cyndi and Susin! Congratulations to the other shortlisted authors for their titles as well: Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, and The Grave Robber’s Apprentice by Allan Stratton.

About the Award
The award, made possible by the Ruth Schwartz Foundation, is presented annually to the authors/illustrators of two outstanding works of Canadian children’s literature – a picture book and a young-adult/middle-reader title. The award is administered jointly – the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) oversees the jury process and publicizes the award and the Ontario Arts Foundation (OAF) publicizes the award.

The 2013 winners will be announced at Etobicokes’s North Kipling Junior Middle School, 2 Rowntree Road, Etobicoke, ON at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2013.

April 9, 2013May 7, 2025

Tuesdays with Tundra 28

Tuesdays with Tundra is a monthly post on our new releases. The following books are available today in stores and online!

Nana’s Summer Surprise
Written by Heather Hartt-Sussman
Illustrated by Georgia Graham
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-324-7
“…The artwork … is a lovely display of chalk pastel … the colors look like they are lit from within, giving a fairy-tale quality to the work.” – Kirkus Reviews

More first books for fledgling readers that offer the enjoyment of a good story with the thrill of accomplishment that comes from independent reading. Written in short, easy phrases with carefully selected vocabulary and plentiful illustrations, each book helps youngsters achieve success as they have fun.

The series follows three friends who love to share stories. In each book, one is reminded of a well-known story:
It’s Not About the Ball! is based on The Frog Prince;
It’ Not About the Tiny Girl! is based on Thumbelina;
It’s Not About the Diamonds! is based on the story of Diamonds and Toads;
It’s Not About the Straw! is based on Rumpelstiltskin and
It’s Not About the Beanstalk! is based on Jack and the Beanstalk.

As one friend starts his story, the others are reminded of versions they know so each volume has three stories within one framework. The stories come from around the world, and Veronika Martenova Charles provides a note at the end of each book to describe the origins.

Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales are a great first step in developing a lifelong love of reading, and it makes a fine companion to Veronika Martenova Charles’s series, Easy-to-Read Spooky Tales.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new April release of Tundra’s you would love to read (the Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales count as one entry) and one lucky reader will receive their requested book(s)! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, April 15, 2013!

Update: Congratulations to Laurie who will be getting the Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales!

April 5, 2013May 7, 2025

Jean Throop Children’s Book Award Winner

The Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE’s Jean Throop Children’s Book Award has selected Mr. Zinger’s Hat as the winner! Congratulations to Cary Fagan and DuÅ¡an PetriÄiÄ‡!

Mr. Zinger’s Hat
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by DuÅ¡an PetriÄiÄ‡
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-253-0
“Every child needs a Mr. Zinger – and his hat! – in his or her life…. This book oh-so-softly brings across a sweet, multigenerational message about sharing the power of imagination.” – Booklist

Since 1974 the Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE has presented an award intended to encourage the publication of books for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. The award and prize are given to a book judged to contribute to children’s reading, and is chosen by a Committee set up by the Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE.

March 20, 2013May 7, 2025

You’re Invited to the Launch of Miss Mousie’s Blind Date

You are invited to the launch of Miss Mousie’s Blind Date. Please join the award-winning author and illustrator team, Tim Beiser and Rachel Berman, as they celebrate their second collaboration!

When: Saturday, April 6, 2013
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: I N G R A M G A L L E R Y
Address: 49 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2G3
Telephone: 416-929-2220
RSVP: RSVPCanada@randomhouse.com

In addition, the artwork from Miss Mousie’s Blind Date will be exhibited at Ingram Gallery from April 6-18, 2013.

Praise for Miss Mousie’s Blind Date:

“…Beiser’s playful rhymes ferry us merrily along to the tale’s satisfying resolution. Realizing they’re both pretending to be something they’re not, Miss Mousie calls a truce, which the mole accepts on bended knee, proposing, ‘If you’ll be you, then I’ll be me.’ Beiser and illustrator Rachel Berman previously collaborated on the equally enchanting Governor General’s Literary Award finalist Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog. Once again, Berman’s formally attired creatures, their delicate hands and oversized heads rendered in muted tones, show Beatrix Potter’s influence in the best possible way. This is an utterly charming book and a gentle introduction to the lifelong perils of spring fever.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

“…Beiser’s sprightly text has warmth, heart and a valuable lesson. Berman’s pictures, in watercolor and gouache on rag, suggest Beatrix Potter, ably matching the crisp elegance of the story.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

“…The perfect collaboration of Tim Beiser and Rachel Berman takes Miss Mousie from crushing on the handsome rat to despairing over his disregard for her and finally to delight, with an ending that will please even those too young to know the pangs of first love but will understand the value of being oneself.” – CanLit for LittleCanadians

March 18, 2013May 7, 2025

Manitoba Book Award Shortlist

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild and the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers have announced the Manitoba Book Awards shortlists. We would like to congratulate Eva Wiseman! The Last Song has been shortlisted for the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award.

The Last Song
Written by Eva Wiseman
Hardcover | 232 Pages
Ages 10 and up
ISBN: 978-0-88776-979-5
eBook: 978-0-88776-980-1
“With spies and informers on all sides, the story builds to a gripping climax … readers will easily be caught by the young girl’s personal heartbreak and conflict and will want to find out more.” – Booklist

Congratulations to the other shortlist titles in this category: 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga by David Alexander Robertson and The Green-Eyed Queen of Suicide City by Kevin Marc Fournier.

The awards will be presented at the Manitoba Book Awards gala, on Sunday April 28th at the West End Cultural Centre and hosted by Ismaila Alfa. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Eva Wiseman won the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award (Young Adult Category) for Puppet in 2010 and My Canary Yellow Star in 2001. Fingers crossed for another win!